Headlight beam deflectors on newer Fiats.

[BobtheBass]

Someone told me the other day that you don't need beam deflectors when driving on the continent in the latest Fiat x290 models because they have a light pattern that suits both sides of the road. Is this correct? Don't want to pay a hefty fine for the want of a bit of sticky back plastic!

 

[Lenny HB]

Don't think that is correct as they are made in RHD & LHD versions and if you import a van you have to change the headlamps before you can register it.
If you really want to check just point van at a wall with dip beam on. If the beam kicks up to the left you need deflectors.

 

[Mr Chrysalis]

Isn’t there a lever/switch/gadget behind the light that changes them from LHD to RHD? I’m sure someone showed me that at a show somewhere a few years ago

 

[Lenny HB]

Isn’t there a lever/switch/gadget behind the light that changes them from LHD to RHD? I’m sure someone showed me that at a show somewhere a few years ago

You are thinking of the Hella projector lamps fitted to a lot of A Class vans.

 

[Mr Chrysalis]

You are thinking of the Hella projector lamps fitted to a lot of A Class vans.

Yes it was an A Class, come to think of it

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[Wombles]

Our 2018 Citroen Jumper which has the same headlights as Ducato & Boxer needed RHD headlights as the LHD could not be adjusted suitably so beam deflectors are needed as @Lenny HB mentioned above. You can use the stick on temporary ones but leaving them on too long can discolour the headlights. Like many others on here we have fitted these Airplex protectors £74.95 delivered from Van Comfort http://www.vancomfort.co.uk/headlampdeflectorspage_000.htm as these protect the expensive headlights too.

More info. about these here on post 3 https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/foru...vc-modding-accessories-discount-codes.184590/

 

[GPW]

Good ideas about the protectors, new lamps are £110 ea + the effort of fitting.
Rather sad there's not a lever to do the job, I thought we'd been in the EU since 1992.

If in doubt of the need and placement of the deflectors see if you can talk nicely to an MOT station and pop in during a quiet time to use their beam checking gear, I did this and could:

a) Verify there was an upsweep to the left (this was on a different van - not a Ducato!)
b) Play with the locations of any deflectors to just eliminate the upsweep and not affect anything else.

This took me about 2 minutes and the position really wasn't the one I'd thought from the instructions and I could confirm I had a nice flat beam after with 100% certainty.

If you are getting a pre-trip service you could always ask the garage to fit them using this method too.
As a bonus it also means you confirm your lamps are pointing in the proper direction for the rest of us in the UK

 

[tonka]

In 19 years of me having motorhomes and being on various forums.
Can say that I have never heard or read of any 1 instance of someone being stopped for beam deflectors. Also when abroad I see so many cars that have nothing fitted, inc older models that would certainly not have any type of beam adjustment.
My view for £4.50 off ebay, I buy those cheap stick on adaptors and I'm legal. Usually I leave them on the van while here in UK, Van passes MOT no issues...

 

[Wombles]

We had our RHD headlights checked & adjusted after fitting as part of the inspection required for UK registration - easy to have done at any MOT station.
Our headlights are the more expensive version with the LED DRL & best price online for genuine Fiat ones was just under £700 for the pair https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/foru...ucato-boxer-with-led-drl.183750/#post-3012963 so definitely worth protecting!

 

[GPW]

Had a look around, the protectors seem to be available for about £60 and also via the CMC club

https://shop.caravanclub.co.uk/product/1990555/peugeot-boxer-2014-headlight-protector-pair
https://www.primaleisure.com/product/1990555/peugeot-boxer-2014-headlight-protector-pair
etc.

Looks like a better target to stick foil or whatever beam deflector material you end up using too!

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[Wombles]

Had a look around, the protectors seem to be available for about £60 and also via the CMC club

https://shop.caravanclub.co.uk/product/1990555/peugeot-boxer-2014-headlight-protector-pair
https://www.primaleisure.com/product/1990555/peugeot-boxer-2014-headlight-protector-pair
etc.

Looks like a better target to stick foil or whatever beam deflector material you end up using too!

Well spotted & Airplex brand too - with delivery they are £67.48 but they do offer free collection in Bristol. For C&MC members they are £6 cheaper so a decent saving & member benefit. When we bought ours they were £69.98 delivered but looks like Van Comfort have put up their prices.

 

[Just smiffy]

In 19 years of me having motorhomes and being on various forums.
Can say that I have never heard or read of any 1 instance of someone being stopped for beam deflectors. Also when abroad I see so many cars that have nothing fitted, inc older models that would certainly not have any type of beam adjustment.
My view for £4.50 off ebay, I buy those cheap stick on adaptors and I'm legal. Usually I leave them on the van while here in UK, Van passes MOT no issues...

20yrs of driving car and Motorhome around Europe and I too have never seen or heard of anything to do with lights..... I’ve never done anything to my lights and never been flashed...

Ive never seen foreign cars with deflectors in the uk either...